Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with King Arthur. Only my characters.
Chapter Two: Heaven and Hell
Vanora was right. The tavern was especially busy this night, as it probably was every time the knights returned. Sarah weaved her way through the already drunken men and carefully balanced the drinks in her hands. She was beginning to get the hang of it. Earlier in the evening she had dropped a tray and the mugs crashed to the ground, resulting in the men clapping and cheering sarcastically. Needless to say, she was mortified and almost ran out. But she swallowed her pride, picked up the pieces and carried on with her duty. She delivered the ale to its proper table of Roman soldiers and went back to the bar. It was getting late and she was getting tired. Sarah picked up a rag and began to wipe down the counter.
"One please," a deep male voice spoke.
"Dagonet!" Sarah exclaimed happily and the man looked at her surprised.
"You work here now?" he questioned smiling.
"No, I'm doing Vanora a favor, so it's just for tonight," Sarah informed him and brushed her hair out of her face, "It's good to see you again." She filled up a cup with the golden liquid and slid it to him.
"Thank you. It's good to see you too. And good to be back," Dagonet took a sip, "How is business?"
"Oh, it's been going alright," She answered and then the two were interrupted by a man shouting for more. Sarah sighed and rolled her eyes.
"I'll let you get back to work. If you get a break come join us," Dagonet smiled at her and left as she began filling up more mugs.
Dagonet made his way to the table that his friends had claimed and took a seat beside Bors.
"Wasn't expecting to see Sarah here," Dagonet spoke to Bors and took another gulp.
"You know Sarah?" Galahad's attention was caught at the sound of her name.
"I've talked with her a few times… seems like a nice person," he answered.
"How did you two meet?" Galahad questioned, wondering why he hadn't heard anything about her before.
"She's friend's with Vanora and Bors," Dagonet told him as if it was a good enough explanation.
"Bors, you're friends with her?" Galahad asked surprisingly.
"Yeah, what's it to ya?" Bors responded defensively without looking at him.
"How come you never talked about her before?" he asked.
"'Cause it ain't any of yer business, now is it?" Bors shot back. He examined Galahad's face and noticed that his eyes were following Sarah wherever she went. It all made perfect sense to him now. "Hey, boy." Bors snapped his fingers at Galahad to get his attention, "Don't get any ideas swarming around in that empty head o' yours, alright? Sarah's not just some girl for you to add to your list. I won't 'ave it. She's a sweet girl who's too young for that and too old not to be married and settled down," he took a swig of his drink, "I wish she'd just marry that Cillian boy and be done wit' it." He slammed his cup to the table and continued, pointing at Galahad, "And if I hear that you're running around bothering her, or hurt her in anyway, I'll rip ya limb from limb. Got it?"
Galahad nodded with wide eyes, "I… I wouldn't… I would never hurt her," he stuttered. He was surprised at Bors' violent and protective reaction. And he had to admit, he was a little scared. Galahad decided that that was enough questions.
Time seemed to be dragging on for both Sarah and Galahad. She was tired of working and he was tired of waiting. He thought he'd never get a chance to talk to her before the night ended. He finished off his drink and stood up, leaving the others without a word.
"How are you doing?" Galahad came up to the bar and she had her back turned to him. Sarah recognized his voice and smiled to herself.
"Congratulations… you're the one hundredth person to ask me that tonight," she was still smiling when she turned to face him.
"Oh, well what do I win?" he leaned against the counter smirking suggestively.
Sarah thought for a moment then took his empty cup from him and refilled it, "A free mug of ale," she leaned in close to him and whispered, "Just don't tell Vanora."
"Not a word," Galahad grinned and winked at her. Sarah gazed at him, he was so handsome when he smiled. She felt her whole body heat up and was worried that he might be able to see her blush. Luckily, she was already flushed from running around table to table. When she was finally able to take her eyes off him she looked over his shoulder and saw a familiar face. He noticed her expression change from happy to inquisitive, so he glanced to where she was looking. Galahad couldn't contain his groan.
"Cillian," Sarah moved around the bar to greet him, "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to check up on you… see how you are holding up," he answered and rubbed her upper arm affectionately. He then glanced at Galahad who had a visible scowl on his face. Cillian smirked with satisfaction at disturbing his visit with her, then turned his attention back to Sarah. "You must be exhausted," he briefly touched her cheek, and Galahad then realized what he was doing. If it was a competition the man wanted, then Galahad was more than willing to give him one. And though the two men were friends, he wasn't going to just step aside and let Cillian take Sarah… not without a fight.
"I am. I was thinking of taking a break soon," Sarah spoke and the two men's stare down was broken, "Dagonet invited me to sit with them and have a drink… so, I think I'll take him up on that offer," she explained as she poured some red wine into a goblet and water into another, "Would you like to join us, Cillian?"
"Say no. Say no. Say no." Galahad was willing his answer in his mind.
"I think I will," Cillian took the water and followed Sarah. Galahad took a deep breath and drug his feet on the stone ground as he followed them.
As the three approached, the knights made room for them. Gawain made sure that Sarah sat next to him, Cillian took the other side of her, leaving Galahad to sit across from them. But he wasn't too upset with that when he realized he had a better view of her from there. He sat silently just staring at her, not listening to the conversation. He admired the way she sipped her wine, the way she smiled when she was nervous, the way she stole a glance at him. The sky was clear and the moon was shining high above them. Its silver rays shone on her fair skin and made her eyes sparkle. He was starting to believe in heaven, he truly believed he was there. Suddenly the table jolted and he was woken from his reverie. Lancelot had slammed his drunken body onto the bench, squeezing between Sarah and Gawain, nearly shoving him out of his seat. He was positioned backwards and his elbows rested on the table to support himself. He was smiling devilishly at her.
"And who might you be, beautiful one?" Lancelot slurred, his head swaying slightly.
"Oh great… I forgot about him." Galahad thought nervously to himself, "Please don't let her fall for him."
"I'm Lancelot." he purred and twirled a strand of her silky hair.
"I'm Sarah." she answered and let out a tense laugh.
"Sarah… Sarah." he repeated her name, "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. That's my favorite name."
"Really?" she asked doubtingly.
"'Tis true, my sweet, sweet Sarah. My beautiful Sarah." he moved in close to her face to get a better look. She moved back as he moved in a little too close, "I'll be whispering your name as I lie in bed tonight and as I dream of you. Mmm, beautiful dreams of you."
Sarah looked between the other knights for reassurance, they were all just grinning at their friend's ridiculous behavior. All of them except Galahad. She didn't dare look back to Cillian.
"Would you like to make all my dreams come true?" Lancelot asked her.
"Lancelot!" Galahad shouted a little louder than he expected or wanted, so he continued with a forced calm, "That's enough, leave her alone."
"What are you, her bodyguard?… Her lover?" Lancelot replied, annoyed with the younger man; "Or maybe the reason you're becoming so upset is because you want to be her lover."
Galahad shook his head and rolled his eyes, "Where in Hell was Bors when you need him?" he thought as he remembered his earlier threats. Just a moment ago it was Heaven and now he was referring to it as Hell… his own personal Hell.
"Lancelot!" a loud roar was heard over the crowd.
"Speak of the devil," Galahad thought happily. Bors was coming across the floor toward them all.
"Get your filthy hands off o' her, Lancey boy," he pointed at the other, "You'll give her some disease you've picked up over your many years of bedding wenches." The other knights laughed loudly, while Sarah had a slightly worried look on her face.
"Why do you always have to go and ruin a fun time, Borsy." Lancelot was becoming more and more agitated with the other men.
"'Cause there's plenty of women here who are desperate and drunk enough to sleep witcha, and she isn't one of 'em," Bors snapped, sitting down heavily on a chair he had pulled up; "She's off limits to ya."
"Oo, all the more intriguing," Lancelot wriggled his eyebrows at her.
"I should be getting back to work," Sarah stood up but was pulled back down.
"Aren't you going to kiss me good-bye?" Lancelot asked while holding her arm.
"Oh look!" Sarah pointed past him, "There are two naked women!" Lancelot turned instantly. She broke away from his grip and took off. Soon she was back at the bar.
"Good job, Lancelot." Galahad remarked sarcastically and went in her direction. Lancelot merely shrugged. Cillian was about to run after her when he felt a heavy arm around his shoulders.
"Cilly! How's it going mate?" Lancelot garbled. Cillian's face was filled with disgust but decided not to fight with the highly intoxicated man.
"Just fine. And you?"
"Aw, you know… havin' fun." Lancelot drank from Sarah's wine she had left behind.
"Maybe you've had enough." Gawain said as he took the cup mid-gulp, spilling some on the table.
Lancelot chose to ignore him, "You havin' fun Cillian?" he took his cup and sipped from it and spit it out, "Water?! What are you doing in a damn tavern drinkin' water?"
"I don't drink." Cillian replied and took it back.
"Ever? Or not anymore?" Lancelot questioned, astonished to meet a man who didn't drink.
"Not anymore."
"Oh… well, that's… that's too bad."
Cillian was tired of talking with him and glanced around to try and find Sarah. She was back behind the counter, fulfilling orders as quickly as she could. He saw that Galahad was there too, helping even. She was smiling and laughing. Galahad was making her happy and it was making Cillian furious. It was driving him crazy. Enough to drive a man to start drinking… again. And he really wanted to, but he knew Sarah would never speak to him again. Also, the smell of alcohol permeating from Lancelot wasn't helping. He had to get out of there.
"Nice talking with you all, but I must be leaving," Cillian said and departed before the others could respond, leaving them in a cloud of confusion. Lancelot, most of all.
"Was it somethin' I said?" he asked concerned.
"Don't worry about it." Tristan muttered, shaking his head.
Sarah's laughter echoed through the bar as Galahad was telling her made-up secrets about the customers she was serving. Or at least she thought they were made-up.
"Stop it!" Sarah playfully slapped his arm. She saw Cillian leave with a disturbed expression. She worried that Lancelot had said something to upset him.
"Don't worry, that was the last one, I don't know anymore." Galahad reassured her as another man, a Roman, approached, "Ohp, maybe not."
"Give me two," the soldier rudely informed Sarah. She began getting the order as Galahad whispered into her ear. She looked at the soldier with wide eyes and started laughing so hard she couldn't finish. Galahad took over, a huge smile on his face, and gave the Roman his ale. He snatched it and scowled at the knight. After he left, Galahad couldn't hold it in any longer and joined Sarah who was still giggling.
"You're going to get me in trouble," she kindly warned him.
"Maybe… but I promise I'll be there to get you out of trouble too," he replied sincerely.
"Don't you want to go have fun with your friends instead of helping me work?" Sarah asked him as she broke the gaze and took dirty dishes to the sink.
"I am having fun… with you." Galahad came to stand next to her and tucked the hair that was blocking his view of her face behind her ear. She shivered at his touch. He took her cheek and turned her face to his. He began to move his lips closer to hers.
"Galahad." Sarah whispered and moved her face away slightly.
"I love the sound of all the words you speak, but that one, is by far my favorite." he whispered back gaining her attention once again.
"Mine too," she thought as she went closer to meet him half way.
"Sarah!" Vanora's voice yelled from across the tavern, startling them both; "I need you over here." Sarah motioned to her that she would be right over.
"I'm sorry… I have to go," she told Galahad and he took her hand in his as she began to walk past.
"I'd like to walk you home tonight…" he spoke quietly, "If that's alright with you."
"I'd like that too," Sarah nodded and they released their grip of one another.
Meanwhile, back at the table, the other knights were observing the two.
"He's trying too hard." Gawain snorted.
"I think he's doing," Lancelot hiccupped, "alright." He looked like a little boy who was up way past his bedtime. He was supporting his cheek on his fist, bunching up the flesh, "She's smiling. That's a," another hiccup, "a good sign."
"That's a very bad sign," Bors disagreed.
"Perhaps we should all stop staring and give them some privacy," Dagonet spoke up.
"Very bad idea," Bors shook his head.
"I feel sorry for him," Gawain said, "He's already so infatuated with her. I fear he thinks that he's in love."
"And who's to say he's not?" Tristan asked, surprising the others, who turned to look at him.
"He's only just met the girl!" Gawain explained.
"You don't believe in love at first sight?" questioned Tristan calmly.
Gawain laughed, "No. No I don't… Lust, perhaps." He then looked strangely at the usually silent man, "Do you?"
"Maybe," he shrugged, got up and left without another word.
"I like him better when he doesn't speak." Gawain stated, shaking his head.
"Well, I'm proud of him!" Lancelot yelled and slapped his free hand loudly on top of the table, startling the others around him as he referred to Galahad and his potential love, "Happy for him." With that said, Lancelot's arm buckled and his head slipped, falling to the table. Snoring shortly followed.
"Come on Gawain, let's get him to his room." Dagonet stood and put Lancelot's arm around his shoulders to stand him up.
"Oh, boy. Easy does it." Gawain said as he did the same with his other arm. Lancelot began mumbling indistinguishably as they began to leave.
"Good night, Lancelot." Galahad said smiling, patting the man's head as he passed them on his way back to the table.
"Sarah! My sweet, beautiful Sarah!" Lancelot was yelling again, "I'll dream of you tonight!" He continued to say her name loudly for the whole place to hear, much to her embarrassment, until finally they had left… that, or maybe Lancelot had lost consciousness again.
Galahad and Sarah were walking lazily through the dark and empty streets. They had stayed until everyone had left the tavern except for Vanora and Bors. Sarah let out a long yawn and tried to hide it with her hand.
"I'm sorry… I got up very early this morning," Sarah explained to her company, "I wasn't expecting to be staying up this late."
"I think it's early, actually." Galahad said smiling, referring that mid-night had come and gone hours ago and that dawn was approaching.
"Well, no wonder I'm tired." She yawned again as they turned a corner.
"So where exactly is your home?" he asked looking around, "Do you live near your shop?"
Sarah stopped and looked around realizing that she was a few steps away from it, "Oh! No, I don't!" she laughed, "I'm sorry, I'm so used to coming here… I wasn't thinking. How embarrassing." Sarah turned around and began walking in a new direction.
"That's alright." Galahad laughed and followed her, "It is good exercise."
"Well, don't worry, it's not too far." she looked side ways to him and smiled.
"Actually, that's what I was worried about." Galahad said quietly, staring at the ground in front of him, "I didn't get to spend as much time with you tonight as I would have liked."
Sarah didn't know how to respond besides smiling shyly. They were both quiet as they continued their stroll, and neither of them noticed that they had nearly brought the pace to a stand still; hoping to postpone their separation. Galahad took a deep breath of the crisp air. Fall was coming to an end and the nights were becoming cool and smelled of threatening snow that could come down any moment. Though the sky was cloudless and speckled with millions of stars.
"So, Sarah." Galahad broke their silence, although it wasn't uncomfortable; "That isn't a name you hear everyday."
"Actually, I do." Sarah smiled at him and he laughed.
"I meant, it's unusual for Britain." he explained, "Were you born here?"
"No," she shook her head, "I was born in Rome." Galahad's head whipped round to look at her. She laughed at his surprised expression, "My father was Roman… My mother was from here-well, that's a long story." she waved her hand to dismiss it, "Perhaps you'd like to hear it when we've both had some much needed rest."
Galahad nodded, "So… You're Roman?"
"Half…" Sarah replied nervously, "Does that bother you? I can understand if it does, I mean, with your, uh, duty. Is that the right word? I don't think it is…" She silently chastised herself for babbling.
"No… it doesn't bother me," Galahad mumbled without looking at her. "Does it bother me?" He asked himself, but had no answer, he was too weary to think deeply about it.
"My father," Sarah decided to continue, she didn't want an awkward silence eating away at both of them, "he was a religious man… a Christian. My name… it comes from the bible."
"Are you a religious person? A Christian?" Galahad asked.
"Um…" She thought for a moment, "I used to be… when I was younger."
"When did you change your mind?" he glanced to her. Her face turned solemn and lost in thought.
"When my mother died." she replied in a whisper.
"I'm sorry…" Galahad felt guilty for bringing up bad memories for her.
"It happened a long time ago…" Sarah forced a smile and changed the subject, "So, is Lancelot always that charming?"
Galahad laughed heartily and nodded, "Uh, yeah… pretty much."
"Well, I'm sure he won't be when he wakes up… he obviously had a lot to drink." she chuckled.
"Don't worry about him, I think he's used to it by now." he shrugged. They stopped and he looked around inquisitively.
"This is me," Sarah explained, pointing a thumb over her shoulder to a brown door.
"Oh," he looked past her with disappointment written all over his face.
"Thank you for walking with me," she smiled.
"I couldn't let you go alone… it's not safe," Galahad smiled back and she nodded.
Both of them stood silently, not sure what to do next.
"Well…" Sarah spoke up, "I had fun tonight… thank you for helping me."
"No problem, happy to do it with you-" Galahad's eyes widened a little when he realized how that might sound, he quickly explained, "I mean, I was- I'm happy to help you." He finished with a exasperated sigh.
Sarah giggled at his embarrassed stuttering, "I know what you meant." she reassured him quietly and yawned.
"We should really get to bed." She laughed, "I mean, we should go to sleep… in our own beds."
"You're teasing me, aren't you?" he asked grinning.
"Just a little," she held up a hand and pinched her finger and thumb together.
"I get it from all ends. Will it ever cease to be?!" Galahad shouted the question to the sky above. They laughed together until she kindly hushed him to be quieter.
"You're going to wake the whole fort!" She whispered.
"Oh well. It's almost time to get up anyway." he said still chuckling. He walked up close to her and took her cheek in his palm. She looked at him, her brown orbs weary but still sparkling in the starlight. Galahad moved in to kiss her, she closed her eyes, awaiting the feel of his lips against her own. She was surprised to feel them on her cheek instead.
"Good-night, Sarah." Galahad caressed her flesh with his thumb. She realized that that was the first time she had ever heard him say her name.
"Don't you mean good morning?" she whispered and he nodded.
"Yes… Then I suppose it wouldn't be lying if I said that we spent the night together," Galahad made her blush, "Sleep well." He began to walk away backwards, so he could still look upon her form.
"You too." Sarah turned to unlock the door and opened it. She waved to him and disappeared into the dark house.
"Sweet dreams, Sarah." Galahad whispered into the night and turned to walk. A huge smile crept across his face and didn't go away until he fell into a deep sleep. A pleasant sleep, with dreams of her.
Hope you all enjoyed! Thanks for reading, and don't forget to review!
A special thanks to:
Heart0nmysh0e, BlackCherryCocaColaLolita, Anonymous (whoever you are), Ava-Night, Aerlinniel-lairel, and homeric for all of your kind and encouraging words!
A/N: For anyone who may have become worried reading this, Lancelot isn't going to be portrayed as a goofball in the entire story, lol; nor is he really that attracted to Sarah, not to say she's ugly, but he's just really out-of-his-mind drunk in this chapter… just thought I'd reassure those who needed it, if there was anyone. Thanks again!